Man charged with stealing $500 in steaks from Food City in Kingsport

KINGSPORT — A Church Hill man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly trying to steal more than $500 in steaks from a Kingsport grocery store.

Stephen Wayne Lewis, 40, of 1328 Main St., Church Hill, was arrested at the Food City on North Eastman Road about 11:40 a.m. Food City personnel called police after detaining Lewis — and his buggy full of steaks — outside the store.

According to store manager Ed Moore, employees in the meat department noticed Lewis loading up on the steaks and thought it was unusual. They had an eye on Lewis as he approached the front of the store.

“He didn’t even come through the checkout lane. He just went right out the door,” Moore said.

Moore added that Lewis offered no explanation for his actions, and upon being stopped was initially confrontational.

“But he quieted down,” Moore said. “Police got here real quick.”

Police say the steaks were worth $527.46. Lewis was charged with a felony count of theft and arrested.